The
sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays will make
the chlorine in an outdoor pool
dissipate quickly. In fact, an ideal
level of chlorine in an
“unstabilized” pool or spa can be
lost in less than two hours on a bright
sunny day, due to the UV rays of the
sun. Cyanuric acid acts as a
“stabilizer” that helps chlorine
hold up better when exposed to the UV
rays. You can think of cyanuric acid as
blocking the effect that the sunlight
has on breaking down the chlorine—kind
of like a sunscreen for your pool.
You should maintain an ideal level of
cyanuric acid, 30 to 50 ppm (mg/L),
to prevent rapid chlorine loss. If the
cyanuric acid level is too low, you may
need to add more to the water. However,
be advised that cyanuric acid will make
the pH of the water lower (more acidic),
so you may have to adjust the pH upward
as well.
On the other hand, too much cyanuric
acid will reduce the beneficial effect
of your chlorine, leading to stains or
cloudy water. Some chlorine compounds
already contain an amount of cyanuric
acid. If you are using dichlor or
trichlor as your primary chlorine
sanitizer, you are already introducing
cyanuric acid along with the chlorine.
If the cyanuric acid level is your pool
or spa is too high, you will need to
partially drain and refill with fresh
water.
When you first fill your pool or spa,
test the cyanuric acid level until you
have added enough to reach the ideal
range. After that, test cyanuric acid a
minimum of once a month throughout the
pool season. If you are using dichlor or
trichlor, you will have to test cyanuric
acid more frequently to ensure that the
level has not exceeded the upper limit.
For more detailed advice on the specific
chemical treatment for your pool or spa,
contact your dealer.
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